BestCities
Cape Town secures BestCities Global Forum 2027
THE BESTCITIES ALLIANCE IS READY TO SERVE UP NEWS AND INITIATIVES AT IMEX IN FRANKFURT
T he 20 May BestCities
Global Alliance early morning breakfast at IMEX Frankfurt will convene representatives from across BestCities’ partner destinations to share recent progress and outline upcoming initiatives, as well as big news confirming the new host destination for the BestCities Global Forum 2027.
In a milestone moment marking the Forum’ s 10th anniversary, Cape Town, South Africa will be officially announced as host of the 2027 edition.
Widely recognised for its dramatic natural beauty and deeply rooted cultural identity, the city also has a proven track record of hosting some of the world’ s most prestigious business events. Framed by the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline, Cape Town offers a distinctive sense of place combined with world-class infrastructure, warm hospitality, and rich heritage – qualities that make it an increasingly attractive stage for global association gatherings.
The Forum will take place 21- 24 January 2027 under the theme‘ Connected by Purpose: Global Perspectives, Shared Values.’ Further details and registration will be posted to the BestCities Global Alliance website.
The 2027 Forum had originally been scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE, a valued and longstanding member of the BestCities network. The alliance emphasises that its relationship with the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism remains strong and constructive. However, following ongoing monitoring of regional developments, BestCities took the precautionary step to relocate the event. Future opportunities for collaboration with Dubai, the alliance emphaises, are firmly on the agenda.
For Cape Town, hosting this landmark edition represents both recognition and Left: Cape Town opportunity. The event places the city – and South Africa more broadly – at the centre of global association dialogue.
“ Cape Town and the Western Cape is honoured to host the BestCities Global Forum. This prestigious event underscores our strong commitment to the association sector and the vital role that business events play in strengthening our knowledge economy, advancing key industries, and creating meaningful benefits for our communities,” says Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, and the official spokesperson of the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau.“ As the leading convention destination in Africa, Cape Town takes the association market seriously and continues to invest in creating impactful, globally relevant meetings. We look forward to providing not only a world-class setting, but also an inspiring environment for productive dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.” Beyond the 2027 announcement, attendees at the IMEX breakfast will gain early insight into the Copenhagen Risk Navigator, a forthcoming initiative designed to support associations and destinations in building resilience across the full lifecycle of business events – from initial planning through to longterm legacy outcomes.
A panel discussion will further enrich the session, turning attention to the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speakers will examine the planning and coordination required to deliver an event of such magnitude, while drawing practical lessons for the organisation of largescale international congresses.
With strategic announcements, industry insight, and forward-looking discussion, the BestCities breakfast promises to offer IMEX Frankfurt attendees – and the wider meetings community – an early glimpse of how the alliance and its partner cities are shaping the future of global association events. n
n Photo credit: Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau
ISSUE 142 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 21